It’s been a hot minute since my last post, but between receiving our household goods, decorating our home for the holidays, and the mad dash to complete as many tasks at work before the vacation period, time has blurred together to say the least. With Christmas upon us and a new year approaching, giving everyone hope to break the tumultuous COVID-19 cycle of lockdown/loosen up restrictions, I want to use this platform to wish everyone a Happy Holiday! In the spirit of Christmas, let us all remember altruism should reign supreme.
A true act of selflessness always sparks another — without fail.” ~Klaus
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/quote-on-selflessness-from-the-film-klaus/
To all my friends and family in the states and across the globe, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, and enjoy the Jumada Al-Awwal period to my Muslim partners — respect. Tradition is a big part of the holiday season, and Claudia and I want to pass the best of our experiences down to our children. Togetherness, is the most important memory we want them to have, which is often a challenge with demanding careers and the possibility of deploying anywhere in the world being part of the familial calculus.
New Traditions
In the past three years, Team Clas has celebrated Christmas in three different countries around the world. We’ve had a South Korea Christmas in 2018, U.S. Christmas in 2019, and now Germany Christmas this year 2020; and if we go back even further, there was even a Mexico Christmas in 2016. It’s unlikely we’ll keep a globe jumping Christmas experience, but one non-negotiable criteria we have always enjoyed, is the phenomenon of always being able to spend our holidays together.
It hasn’t always been tree trimming and Christmas Cult classics streaming on the television with bottomless cups of hot cocoa and ginger bread cookies to create that warm feel of Christmas Cheer, but our experiences have always been memorable nonetheless. One alibi, the Southpark Christmas Special is a long way from appropriate for the little ones. Claudia and I were way off on that one! We also have to acknowledge our family’s continued efforts to keep us connected through virtual means as well. We’ve had multiple touchpoints via Zoom, Messenger, WhatsApp, etc… with loved ones these past few weeks, and we’re extremely grateful to have the ability to stay in touch with everyone back at home station.
“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.” ~Thomas Merton, Love and Living
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/connection
Improvisation
Virtual is the new normal, well… at least until we’re all vaccinated and establish herd immunity from our newfound COVID-19 friend. This new reality, however, does not have to be an end all be all from human connection. Innovation and creativity will prevail as it always does, even though it may be painful for some. It’s time to put our millennial caps on and dive into the technology designed to keep us in the know with those we care about. We have had the luxury to see some very innovative methods to keep the holiday vibes thriving this season.
The Clas Clan had a great Zoom event with the family back home, which was a great option to get multiple family member on the conference at one time. Other interesting events we participated in included a neighborhood drive by Santa and Christmas Lights display, Drive thru Christmas Lights event, Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Zoom Happy Hours for the adult crowd. Whatever you choose to host, or partake in, just understand there are always options available to improve your position.
“You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” ~Dr. Seuss
https://www.berries.com/blog/positive-quotes
Wrap it Up
Before my kids were born, I have to admit, Christmas was my least favorite holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I had a happy childhood, but I’ve always had my fair share of anger issues and pity parties throughout the years. It’s a tale as old as time, I know. I commend my family for saving me from forging my chains like the ghost in Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”, because I could totally see myself being a capital GRINCH without them.
I offer my testimony in this forum in hopes that ’tis season’s spell translates into some of us doing good deeds for our fellow human beings. The smallest acts of kindness can save those who may be in a depressive state during this festive period, so when in doubt, reach out. From our family to you and all of yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
One team, one family! ~Doc